HMX Jammy vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the HMX Jammy and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jammy and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two appealing options for enthusiasts, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Jammy stands out with its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a muted yet deeply satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feel and sound while typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) shines with its Ly stems, offering a super smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile that can enhance the tactile feedback for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory element during their typing sessions. Both switches are linear in nature, ensuring a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or clicks, making them well-suited for gamers and typists who favor fluid keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
57g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jammy and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a clear distinction arises in their top housing. The Jammy utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its soft plastic properties, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials means that while the Jammy delivers a more rounded auditory experience – ideal for those who prefer a subtler sound when typing – the Tomcat (Heavy) enhances feedback with a clear resonance that can be especially beneficial for users engaging with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate.
Both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which leads to more akin sound characteristics between the two models in this regard. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Jammy and the Tomcat (Heavy) allows for a deeper and fuller sound experience during key presses. This shared characteristic means that while users may find a stark contrast in the tactile and acoustic experience of each switch due to the differing top materials, the influence of the nylon bottom housing ensures a commonality when it comes to the bottoming-out sound and feel. Thus, regardless of the top housing, users will likely appreciate the rounder sound signature elicited during key presses.
In essence, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing balancing out the distinct top housing materials serves to create a unique typing experience. The Jammy's softer nylon top housing dampens the sound for a more muted feedback, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) offers an articulate response due to its polycarbonate top that caters well to vibrant RGB setups. Users seeking a crisp and clear auditory feedback might lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while those who cherish a muffled, more subdued sound profile may find comfort in the Jammy. Ultimately, despite their differences, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches retain elements of a similar acoustic character when pressed.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jammy linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are both similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jammy exhibits an actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams coupled with a marginally higher bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Jammy the lighter of the two in terms of actuation force, catering to those who prefer a keyboard that enables longer typing sessions with less effort. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), while also being medium-heavy at its bottoming out, provides a slightly firmer feel due to its overall design. Both switches fall within the medium and medium-heavy range, allowing users to achieve a satisfactory typing experience, but those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Tomcat due to its heavier bottom out force. Thus, while the actuation forces differ slightly, the bottom out forces are nearly identical, contributing to similar typing experiences with some nuanced preferences depending on user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see a slight difference: the Jammy has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat the shorter option and the Jammy the longer one. With both switches falling within the range of traditional switch travel distances, players seeking faster response times might gravitate towards the Tomcat for its more immediate feedback. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, the Jammy’s 3.7 mm travel distance could provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Jammy linear switch delivers a muted auditory profile, thanks to its softer nylon housings, which contribute to a more subdued overall typing experience. This effectively minimizes any sharpness or harshness in sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a quieter environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a resonant sound profile that is characteristic of its construction; it tends to produce a more prominent and lively sound when keys are actuated. This contrast between the quieter Jammy and the more resonant Tomcat (Heavy) means that while both switches can provide pleasant auditory feedback, their output will vary significantly based on the user’s preference for sound intensity.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jammy switch is noted for its medium weight, providing a balanced typing experience that many find deeply satisfying. The softer housings enhance the sensation of each keystroke, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are lauded for their Ly stems, which ensure a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness means that each press feels seamless and fluid, allowing for rapid key presses without any snagging or resistance. Both switches are designed to offer engaging tactile feedback, but the distinct characteristics of the Jammy’s medium weight versus the Tomcat’s smoothness cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they serve different user needs effectively. The Jammy's muted sound and satisfying feel cater to those who seek a quieter, balanced typing experience, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) taps into a more resonant sound profile coupled with an exceptionally smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will boil down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, ensuring that users will find satisfaction regardless of which switch they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Jammy linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your preferences for typing experience and sound sensitivity. If you value a softer, muted typing feel with a more subdued sound profile, the Jammy switch, with its medium actuation force and glittery nylon housing, is likely to be your best option. It provides a deeply satisfying tactile experience ideal for longer typing sessions, where you prefer less auditory distraction. Conversely, if you seek a slightly heavier key press and a smoother typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its Ly stems, offers more resistance while emitting a more resonant sound profile that some might find more engaging, particularly in a gaming setting where feedback is vital. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your own comfort preferences, typing style, and the acoustics you enjoy most during your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
